Uveitis Research Articles

Kurarinone regulates Th17/Treg balance and ameliorates autoimmune uveitis via Rac1 inhibition

IntroductionAutoimmune uveitis (AU) is a severe intraocular autoimmune disorder with a chronic disease course and a high rate of blindness. Kurarinone (KU), a major component of the traditional Chinese medicine Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, possesses a wide spectrum of activities and has been used to treat several inflammation-related diseases. ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the effects of KU on AU and its modulatory mechanisms. MethodsWe used an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) animal model and characterized the comprehensive immune landscape of KU-treated EAU mice using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). The retina and lymph nodes were analyzed. The siRNAs and selective inhibitors were used to study the signaling pathway. The effect of KU on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from uveitis patients was also examined. ResultsWe found that KU relieved chorioretinal lesions and immune cell infiltration in EAU model mice. Subsequent single-cell analysis revealed that KU downregulated the EAU-upregulated expression of inflammatory and autoimmune-related genes and suppressed pathways associated with immune cell differentiation, activation, and migration in a cell-specific manner. KU was implicated in restoring T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cell balance by alleviating inflammatory injury and elevating the expression of modulatory mediators in Tregs, while simultaneously ameliorating excessive inflammation by Th17 cells. Furthermore, Rac1 and the Id2/Pim1 axis potentiated the pathogenicity of Th17 cells during EAU, which was inhibited by KU treatment, contributing to the amelioration of EAU-induced inflammation and treatment of AU. In addition, KU suppressed inflammatory cytokine production in activated human PBMCs by inhibiting Rac1. Integration of the glucocorticoid-treated transcriptome suggests that KU has immunomodulatory effects on lymphocytes. ConclusionOur study constructed a high-resolution atlas of the immunoregulatory effects of KU treatment on EAU and identified its potential therapeutic mechanisms, which hold great promise in treating autoimmune disorders.

ASSESSMENT OF VISUAL ACUITY AND COMPLICATIONS POST CATARACT SURGERY IN PATIENTS WITH UVEITIS IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Aim and Objectives Aim:To study the visual acuity and operative complications after cataract surgery in patients with uveitis in tertiary care hospital Objectives: 1.To study factors affecting visual acuity. 2.To study surgical complications post cataract surgery in uveitis patients. Materials and Methods:A total of 18 patients were taken, data was collected from all the selected patients using a structured proforma meeting the objectives of the study. • Inclusion Criteria:1.All complicated cataract patients attending ophthalmology OPD 2.A quite eye (without inflammation) for atleast 3 months • Exclusion Criteria: 1.Cataract due to causes other than uveitis 2.Patients with posterior segment pathology Patients were scheduled for follow up on post op day 1, day 3 , day 7 , day 15, day 30, day 60, day 90. Results: The prevalance was more common in males compared to females. Out of 18 patients, 14 (77%) underwent SICS with PCIOL implantation and 4 (22%) underwent phacoemulsification with PCIOL. Intra-operative complications were noted as small non-dilating pupil, peripheral anterior synechiae, pupillary membrane, incomplete capsulorhexis, iris prolapse. In 7 (38%) patients sphincterectomy was done and in 4 (22%) patients stretch pupilloplasty was done. Immediate post-op complications that were noted were anterior chamber reaction and pigment dispersion. Late post-op complications that were noted were posterior capsular opacification Dense posterior synechiae were encountered in 12 (66%) patients and excessive conjunctival bleeding in 6(33%) patients. There was improvement in visual outcomes as follows 8 patients had 6/6 vision, 6 patients had 6/18 vision where as remaining 4 patients had 6/36 vision due to early development of posterior capsular opacification. Conclusion: Cataract development is a very common occurrence in any form of anterior and intermediate uveitis because of chronic intraocular inflammation, long term use of corticosteroids. Reported incidence of cataract in uveitic patients is about 25% in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and 75% in chronic anterior uveitis. It is possible to achieve successful visual outcomes following cataract surgery in uveitis by proper management of pre-operative inflammation and close post-operative observation. Management of uveitic cataract requires careful case selection, proper timing of surgery, and close monitoring with appropriate handling of complications that may occur.

Uveitis Onset and Flare-Up: Does the Time of Year Matter?

ABSTRACT Purpose This retrospective chart review tests the hypothesis that initial presentation and flare-up of non-infectious anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis varies by month, temperature season, and calendar season among the patient population in Connecticut. Methods The medical records of all adult patients presenting with a chief concern or diagnosis of “uveitis” at a university-based clinic between March 2013 and February 2019 and a community-based clinic between January 2016 and February 2019 in Connecticut were reviewed. Ongoing, chronic uveitis and infectious/traumatic uveitis were excluded. Patient age, sex, comorbid autoimmune conditions, time of onset, and anatomical location of uveitis was collected. χ 2 testing evaluated variation in uveitis presentation based on month, calendar season, and temperature. Results 353 cases of endogenous uveitis were identified among 272 patients. There was no significant variation by month, calendar season, or temperature across the entire population. There was no significant variation by temperature when assessing anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis cases separately. Though flare-ups did not show any significant seasonal trends, there was significant variation by temperature for new uveitis episodes. Uveitis episodes in patients with autoimmune conditions were shown to have significant variation by temperature. Uveitis episodes in HLA-B27 positive patients were found to have significant variation by both temperature and month. Conclusion While variation by month, calendar season, or temperature is not present for all uveitis patients, a subset of patients with comorbid autoimmune conditions, specifically HLA-B27 positive, experience temperature variations with increasing incidence of flare-ups in transitional months in Connecticut.

Profile of HLA-B27-positive enthesitis/spondylitis-related arthritis in Senegal, West Africa

BackgroundEnthesitis/spondylitis-related arthritis (ERA) is a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently associated with HLA-B27. In sub-Saharan Africa, HLA-B27-positive ERA hasn’t been the subject of a specific study.ObjectivesWe aimed to describe the clinical features, disease activity, functional disability and treatment of HLA-B27-positive ERA at diagnosis in Senegal and compare the findings to other populations.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records of patients diagnosed with ERA with an age of symptom onset < 18 years according to the 2019 PRINTO provisional criteria for ERA from January 2012 to December 2022. We collected demographic, clinical, paraclinical and therapeutic data. Disease activity score was assessed by Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). Functional disability was assessed using Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI).ResultsA total of 31 patients with HLA-B27-positive ERA were included. Twenty of 31 (64.5%) were males. Twenty-seven (87%) were Fula (ethnicity). The median age at symptom onset and at diagnosis was 12 years and 19 years, respectively. Seven patients had a family history of Spondyloarthritis. Peripheral arthritis and enthesitis were the most common presenting features at disease onset. Peripheral arthritis was present in 29 (93.5%) and located in the lower limbs in 27/29 (93.1%) patients. Heel enthesitis was present in 26 (83.8%) patients. Axial involvement was present in 27 (87%) patients, dominated by low back pain and sacroiliac pain/ buttock pain in 24 (88.8%) and 22 (81.5%) patients, respectively. Seven (22.5%) patients had anterior uveitis. The ESR and CRP were elevated in 65.5% and 57.1% of cases, respectively. On imaging, sacroiliitis was found in 22 patients. The mean BASDAI was 5.5/10 (77.2% of patients had a high active disease; BASDAI ≥ 4/10). The mean ASDAS-ESR/CRP was 3.8. The mean BASFI was 5.4/10 (80% of patients had high functional disability; BASFI ≥ 4/10). Twenty-seven (87%) patients were treated with methotrexate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. After 6 months of treatment, mean BASDAI was 3/10 and mean BASFI was 2.5/10.ConclusionIn our study, HLA-B27-positive ERA was found in our Senegalese cohort mainly in adolescents of the Fula ethnic group. 22 (70.9%) patients developed ankylosing spondylitis at adulthood. The disease was very active at the time of diagnosis with significant functional disability. Treatment was mainly based on methotrexate and NAISDs.

The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and the incidence of uveitis in type 2 diabetes: a population-based cohort study.

To survey the potential correlation between the application of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and the incidence of uveitis in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A retrospective cohort study using the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was conducted. The T2DM patients using SGLT2 inhibitors and those taking other anti-diabetic medications were assigned to the SGLT2 group and the control group, respectively, with a 1 : 2 ratio via the propensity score-matching (PSM) method. The major outcome in this study is the development of uveitis according to the diagnostic codes. The Cox proportional hazard regression was adopted to yield the adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) between the groups. There were 147 and 371 new uveitis episodes in the SGLT2 and control groups after the follow-up period up to 5 years. The incidence of uveitis in the SGLT2 group (aHR = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.602-0.899, p = 0.0007) was significantly lower than that in the control group after adjusting for the effect of all the confounders. In the subgroup analyses, the SGLT2 inhibitors showed a higher correlation with low uveitis incidence in T2DM patients aged under 50 than T2DM individuals aged over 50 years (p = 0.0012), while the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on the incidence of anterior and posterior uveitis development was similar (p = 0.7993). The use of SGLT2 inhibitors could be an independent protective factor for uveitis development in T2DM population.

Drug Retention Time of Immunosuppressive Therapy in Behcet’s Uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose Behcet’s Disease is a chronic multisystem vasculitis associated with a blinding uveitis. Few comparative studies exist between conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic DMARDs in Behcet’s uveitis (BU). We therefore used drug retention time (DRT), an accepted surrogate measure of pharmacological efficacy and tolerability, to compare these treatments in patients with BU. Methods Retrospective chart review of patients who met the revised International Criteria for Behcet’s Disease (ICBD) treated at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Australia, between 1985–2021. DRT was analysed with Kaplan-Meier plots and defined as total time on drug in the first medication-period for each DMARD in each patient. Results Forty-eight patients (37 males) with median age of 28.6 years were followed-up for a median of 8.0 years. At initial presentation, half had bilateral disease and median logMAR visual acuity was 0.176 (Snellen 6/9) in 62 uveitic eyes (16 anterior uveitis, 11 intermediate, 2 posterior, and 33 panuveitis). Thirty-three patients met ICBD initially. Prescribed corticosteroid-sparing agents were Cyclosporin (N = 24), Mycophenolate (N = 22), Azathioprine (N = 22), Methotrexate (N = 16), and Adalimumab (N = 15). Median DRT was 14.0, 27.4, 8.3, 24.0, and 52.0 months, respectively. DMARDs were discontinued 116 times and adverse effects (N = 37) were the main reason for cessation. Over time, patients were switched from Cyclosporin to Adalimumab earlier in the disease course due to poorer tolerance of adverse events. Conclusion Adalimumab’s drug retention time was found to be similar to and possibly better than cDMARDs in patients with BU, who often suffer from vision-threatening disease at first presentation.

Sarcoid-Induced Uveitis: A Tattooed Journey

When a patient presents with an anterior uveitis that is suspicious for a systemic etiology, it is important to explore all areas of clinical care to determine the cause. Traditionally, the initial approach is to perform an appropriate lab work-up. Beyond this, areas of specialty that are typically considered include rheumatology, radiology, and infectious disease. However, this case report will present a patient that required intervention from dermatology to confirm the source of ocular inflammation.

Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Series.

To report the ocular findings, laboratory results, and management of patients with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU), whose numbers increased during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Demographic characteristics, ophthalmic examination findings, laboratory results including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), serum SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, and treatment of patients diagnosed with TINU between March 2020 and March 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. The study included 19 eyes of 10 patients (6 female/4 male). The mean age was 13.5±2.4 years (range: 8-16 years). The mean follow-up duration was 13.5±6.1 months (range: 6-24 months). All patients presented with anterior uveitis. Anterior uveitis was bilateral in 9 patients (90%) and unilateral in 1 patient (10%). Posterior segment findings were normal in 8 patients (80%), and bilateral optic disc edema was observed in only 2 patients (20%). None of the patients had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination history. The SARS-CoV-2 PCR test was negative in all patients at presentation. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test was reactive in 7 patients (70%). Recurrent uveitis developed in 8 patients (80%) during follow-up. Systemic immunomodulatory therapy was required for the control of ocular inflammation in 7 patients (70%) with severe uveitis flare-ups. TINU is a multisystemic autoimmune disease, especially in response to environmental triggering factors such as viral infections. Although TINU is a rare disease, the number of cases increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were detected at a significant rate of 70% in these patients, who did not have a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. Previous asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in children may be a triggering factor in the development of TINU.

Clinical Profile of Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) Seen in a Tertiary Eye Clinic.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is the medication regimen for the management of human immunodeficiency virus. Over time, it has been dubbed to have revolutionised the clinical course and outcomes of HIV/AIDS. The objective of this study is to determine the clinical factors associated with the ocular manifestation of HIV/AIDS among patients on HAART. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the ophthalmology department of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in 2017 among adult patients (≥18 years) attending the hospital's antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinic and selected using systematic random sampling technique. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used for data analysis, with variables being summarised using frequencies and proportions. Inferential statistics (t test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test) was used to test associations between variables. A level of significance was set at a P value of less than 0.05 corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. A majority of patients were in WHO stages 1 and 2 of HIV and the mean CD4+ cell count of the whole population was 575.0 ± 512.56 cells/µL, while that of those with ocular manifestations was 315.2 ± 290.76 and 633.7 ± 533.54 cells/µL for those who do not have ocular manifestation. There was a significant association between CD4+ cell count and ocular manifestations such as conjunctival microvasculopathy, anterior uveitis, and cytomegalovirus retinitis. Our results suggest that HAART has some positive effect on the clinical profile of people with HIV/AIDS with CD4+ count being a major determinant of ocular manifestations.

Unexpected Intraocular Inflammation Following the Use of Anti-Adhesion Agents, Mediclore® - A Case Report

Several cases of unexpected intraocular inflammation have been reported following the use of anti-adhesion agents, including Mediclore®. However, anti-adhesion agents are now used in many surgeries because of their effectiveness in preventing postoperative adhesions. Awareness of the relationship between postoperative intraocular inflammation and anti-adhesion agents is important to avoid unnecessary evaluations. Two women experienced congestion and pain in both eyes after undergoing gynecological surgery using robotic and laparoscopic techniques under general anesthesia. They were diagnosed with anterior uveitis and episcleritis, and the cause was considered to be an anti-adhesion agent after excluding other factors and ophthalmic examinations. Here, we report two cases of intraocular inflammation after surgery and describe the clinical importance of anterior uveitis and episcleritis.

Management of Recurrent Anterior Uveitis in Spondyloarthritis: A Case Report

Introduction : Non-infectious anterior uveitis is caused by underlying diseases, one of which is spondyloarthritis. Spondyloarthritis is a part of chronic rheumatic disease. The main goals of uveitis therapy are to prevent blindness, permanent organ damage, and recurrence.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 19-years old woman came to Cicendo Eye Hospital with blurry vision for one week. The complaint was accompanied by redness, photosensitivity, and pain in her right eye. She had similar complaints in her right eye one month ago and in her left eye one year ago. She also had a history of morning stiffness in her knee joint and lower back pain. For those symptoms, the rheumatologist diagnosed her with spondyloarthritis. The uncorrected visual acuity examination for both eyes were 0,16. Anterior segment examination on right eye were blepharospasm, ciliary injection, corneal oedema, flare and cells while the left eye within normal limit. She was diagnosed with anterior uveitis and was treated with topical corticosteroid, oral corticosteroid, and immunomodulator. Knowing the treatment was not responding, the rheumatologist added biologic agents to the therapy. As a result, the patient’s conditions improved.&#x0D; Discussion : Topical steroid therapy was used as the first line of treatment, but for the recurrence of anterior uveitis, systemic medication, including biologic agents, is needed.&#x0D; Conclusion : Multidiscipline and stepwise approach to treat anterior uveitis with underlying disease is necessary.

UNILATERAL CMV RETINITIS IN HIV/AIDS PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

Introduction : CMV Retinitis is the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patient. Ocular manifestations in HIV/AIDS have similar clinical features though the management therapies are different.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 47-year-old man was presented with blurred vision on LE since 4 months. Patient was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since 2 years. Patient only had light perception on LE, and 5/10 on RE. The LE anterior segment showed flare and cell indicating active anterior uveitis. The LE posterior segment revealed extensive hemorrhage and exudate known as ‘pizza pie’ appearance, and cotton wool spot with multiple ischemic areas on RE. Laboratory tests revealed reactive IgG CMV and very low CD4 count (4 cell/?l). Patient was also diagnosed with Tinea Corporis, Scabies, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Oral Valganciclovir 900 mg was administered twice a day for 3 weeks, along with anti- retroviral therapy.&#x0D; Discussion : The anterior uveitis and ‘pizza pie’ appearance with positive CMV IgG indicate CMV Retinitis in fulminant form. Cotton wool spot found in the RE leads to retinal microvasculopathy due to HIV invading the vascular endothelium and causing increased plasma viscosity. This patient only had 4 cell/?l CD4 which indicates severe immune deficiency. If not treated immediately, patients with CD4 count &lt;50 are at higher risk of contralateral eye involvement. Oral Valganciclovir was chosen considering the multiple opportunistic infections the patient had.&#x0D; Conclusion : It is important to distinguish CMV retinitis with other HIV/AIDS ocular manifestations. The choice of therapy needs be considered with the overall condition of patient.

EFFECT OF CORTICOSTEROID ON OCULAR TUBERCULOSIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction &amp; Objectives : There are still some disagreements between experts regarding the use of corticosteroids as an adjunctive treatment for ocular tuberculosis. Even though corticosteroid is important for controlling the inflammation to reduce further damage to the eye, some evidence claim that corticosteroid may interfere with ATT and causes more damage. This study aims to summarize and assess the role of corticosteroids on ocular tuberculosis.&#x0D; Methods : This study reviews papers from PubMed and Ophthalmologica Indonesiana database published in English or Indonesia between the years 2017 and 2022. The search terms used are a combination of treatment or therapy, corticosteroid, and ocular tuberculosis.&#x0D; Results : A total of 8 studies are included in this review with a total of 992 patients. Ocular TB can be further differentiated into anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, retinitis and retinal, vasculitis, neuroretinitis, and optic neuropathy. Corticosteroids are delivered through different routes depending on the site and severity of the inflammation. Generally, patients treated with ATT and corticosteroids have a positive response but improper timing, dosage, or route may actually worsen the infection and inflammation.&#x0D; Conclusion : Corticosteroids are needed as adjunctive treatment to control the inflammation from further damaging the eye. However, further studies regarding the specificity of the usage should be done as there are still limited studies about the factors affecting the outcome

UNILATERAL CMV RETINITIS IN HIV/AIDS PATIENT WITH MULTIPLE OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS

Introduction : CMV Retinitis is the most common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patient. Ocular manifestations in HIV/AIDS have similar clinical features though the management therapies are different.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A 47-year-old man was presented with blurred vision on LE since 4 months. Patient was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS since 2 years. Patient only had light perception on LE, and 5/10 on RE. The LE anterior segment showed flare and cell indicating active anterior uveitis. The LE posterior segment revealed extensive hemorrhage and exudate known as ‘pizza pie’ appearance, and cotton wool spot with multiple ischemic areas on RE. Laboratory tests revealed reactive IgG CMV and very low CD4 count (4 cell/?l). Patient was also diagnosed with Tinea Corporis, Scabies, and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Oral Valganciclovir 900 mg was administered twice a day for 3 weeks, along with anti- retroviral therapy.&#x0D; Discussion : The anterior uveitis and ‘pizza pie’ appearance with positive CMV IgG indicate CMV Retinitis in fulminant form. Cotton wool spot found in the RE leads to retinal microvasculopathy due to HIV invading the vascular endothelium and causing increased plasma viscosity. This patient only had 4 cell/?l CD4 which indicates severe immune deficiency. If not treated immediately, patients with CD4 count &lt;50 are at higher risk of contralateral eye involvement. Oral Valganciclovir was chosen considering the multiple opportunistic infections the patient had.&#x0D; Conclusion : It is important to distinguish CMV retinitis with other HIV/AIDS ocular manifestations. The choice of therapy needs be considered with the overall condition of patient.

Steroidal nanoformulations for the treatment of uveitis: potential, promises and future perspectives.

Intraocular inflammation, commonly referred to as uveitis, is a prevalent ocular disease. The categorization of uveitis may be based on the prevailing anatomical site, which includes anterior, intermediate, and posterior uveitis. There exists a significant body of evidence indicating that T cells play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis. In addition to the presence of T cells, an elevation in levels of inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in regulatory cytokines were also noted. The primary pharmacological interventions for uveitis comprise of corticosteroids, methotrexate, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents, anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antibodies, and sirolimus. These medications offer prompt alleviation for inflammation. Nevertheless, prolonged administration of corticosteroids invariably leads to unfavorable adverse reactions. The traditional topical corticosteroids exhibit certain limitations, including inadequate transcorneal permeation and low corneal retention, leading to reduced ocular bioavailability. Consequently, there is a growing inclination towards the creation of innovative steroid drug delivery systems with the aim of reducing the potential for adverse effects, while simultaneously enhancing the drug's corneal permeation and retention. This review is an attempt to compile all the research work done so far in this field and provides a brief overview of the global efforts to develop innovative nanocarrier-based systems for corticosteroids.

Bilateral Ocular Leprosy An Effect By Erythema Nodusum Leprosum : A Case Report

Introduction : Leprosy or Hansen’s disease is an infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin, the peripheral nerves and the eyes, causing chronic granulomatous inflammation.&#x0D; Case Illustration : We present a case of lepromatous leprosy with erythema nodosum leprosum of a 47 years old man with bilateral and asymmetrical ocular complications. One year ago patient consumed multidrug therapy for leprosy for one year but didn’t finish the medication. On the right eye diagnose with chronic anterior and intermediate uveitis, on the left eye with panuveitis. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 2/60 for right eye and light perception for left eye. Intraocular pressure were within normal limits. Madarosis and corneal hypoesthesia were found on both eyes. On the right eye was found cells, synechia anterior and posterior, iris pearls and vitreous haze. On the left eye was found plasmoid iridocyclitis and vitreous opacities from USG. Slit skin smear (SSS) result positif acid fast bacilli (AFB) dan granular. Patients were treated with multidrug therapy for leprosy, topical antibiotics, atropine and steroids, oral antibiotics and treatment from a dermatologist.&#x0D; Discussion : The diagnosis of lepromatous uveitis (LU) in this patient is made through skin tissue biopsy and ophthalmological examination. The effective management of ocular leprosy depends on early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Hence it is imperative for ophthalmologist to recognize the ocular clinical signs associated with leprosy.&#x0D; Conclusion : Most blindness and impaired vision resulting from leprosy is preventable. A multidisciplinary approach is to be taken in order to improve the prognosis.

Associations of IL6R and IL10 Gene Polymorphisms with Susceptibility to Ankylosing Spondylitis with or without Acute Anterior Uveitis

ABSTRACT Background This research aims to explore the associations between ten candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on Interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R) and Interleukin-10 (IL10) genes and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with or without acute anterior uveitis (AAU). Methods This study involved a case-control approach that examined 354 cases with AS and AAU, 377 AS cases without AAU, and 918 healthy controls. Genotyping of ten SNPs of IL10 and IL6R genes was performed using iPLEX Gold genotyping method. The allele and genotype frequencies of cases and healthy individuals were contrasted using the chi-square test. The IL10 mRNA level in various IL10 genotypes was tested using real-time PCR. Results Two loci associated with AS with AAU were identified: IL10//rs3790622 (OR = 0.664; 95%CI = 0.503–0.878; Pc = 0.038); IL10//rs3021094 (OR = 1.365; 95%CI = 1.110–1.679; Pc = 0.032). The other eight loci located on IL10 and IL6R did not show significant associations with the diseases. Additionally, as shown by functional experiments, there was no correlation between the mRNA expression of IL10 and various genotypes. Conclusion Our study suggests that the IL10 gene contributes to the susceptibility of the Chinese population to AS with AAU.

Equine uveitis: Outcome and adverse effects after one or two intravitreal low-dose gentamicin injections.

Uveitis is common in horses, potentially turning chronic (persistent or recurrent) resulting in impaired vision or blindness. All mainstay therapeutics aims at controlling inflammation, but long-term or lifelong treatment is often needed with possibly severe side effects. Therefore, intravitreal injections with low-dose gentamicin (IVGI) have been used in attempt to give a long-lasting result with potentially less side effects. To retrospectively assess outcome and long-term complications following one or two low-dose IVGI in Swedish horses with chronic uveitis. Retrospective case series. Medical records of horses diagnosed with uveitis examined at the Equine Clinic of the University Animal Hospital of Sweden between 2016 and 2021 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were horses with a diagnosis of chronic uveitis that were treated with 4 mg IVGI. After injection, tapering doses of anti-inflammatory medications were administered. Due to persistence or recurrence of uveitis despite IVGI, some horses received a second injection. A positive outcome was defined as controlled uveitis, despite no or minimal anti-inflammatory medication. 32 eyes (29 horses) were included. Based on clinical evaluation, uveitis was classified as anterior (91%) or panuveitis (9%). 10 eyes were treated with IVGI twice. A positive outcome was observed in 13/32 eyes (41%). Inflammation in 9/32 eyes was controlled after the first, and in 4/10 eyes after the second IVGI treatment. Long-term complications included retinal degeneration in seven eyes, and mature cataracts in five eyes. Enucleations were performed in 14/32 eyes, due to lack of favourable response of IVGI, or due to complications, that is, glaucoma, corneal ulceration, and/or corneal mineralisation. One horse was euthanised due to painful bouts of inflammation in both eyes despite treatment. Small sample size, retrospective design with no control group, no histopathology performed, infrequent sampling for Leptospira and no standardised treatment protocol after the IVGI. In this group of Swedish horses, predominantly diagnosed clinically with anterior uveitis, a positive outcome was observed in 41% of eyes following one or two low-dose IVGI. Retinal degeneration in the visual streak was observed in 22% of eyes, which is a higher proportion of this complication than previously described.

Comparison of Incidence or Recurrence of Anterior Uveitis in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors

Background: Anterior uveitis (AU) is a significant concern in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and the choice of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) as a treatment modality raises questions regarding its effects on AU. We compared the effects of TNFi on AU in patients with AS. Methods: Patients diagnosed with AS and treated with at least one TNFi, including anti-TNFα antibodies (adalimumab and infliximab) or a soluble TNF receptor molecule (etanercept), between January 2010 and December 2022, were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the recurrence rate of AU in patients with a history of uveitis and the incidence of new-onset AU in those without a history of uveitis among the three TNFi groups. We also compared the effects of two different TNFi agents in patients who underwent TNFi switching. Results: Within two years of treatment initiation, there was no significant difference in AU recurrence among the three TNFi groups. However, the incidence of new-onset AU was significantly higher in the etanercept group than in the adalimumab group (26.4% vs. 6.3%; p = 0.024). After two years, the AU recurrence rate was significantly lower in the adalimumab group than in the other groups (p &lt; 0.001). Among patients who underwent anti-TNFi switching, adalimumab treatment was associated with a significantly lower incidence of uveitis than etanercept (p = 0.023). Conclusion: In the short-term period following TNFi therapy, etanercept induced new-onset AU more frequently than adalimumab in patients with AS. Adalimumab recipients experienced fewer AU recurrences during the subsequent long-term period compared to other TNFi recipients.

Evolving Fuchs' uveitis - A diagnostic challenge.

To study cases of Fuchs' uveitis (FU) diagnosed as uveitis other than FU at initial visits. A retrospective, observational chart review. Details of clinical presentation, initial diagnosis, treatment details, and follow-up before and after the diagnosis of FU was studied. Twenty eyes of 19 patients finally diagnosed with FU. Mean total follow-up was 39 months (range: 3-120 months, median: 30 months) and follow-up after diagnosis of FU was 18 months (range: 0-84 months, median: 11 months). Most of the cases were diagnosed with anterior plus intermediate uveitis at the presentation (n = 8, 42.1%) and received steroid treatment. Keratic precipitates (KPs) typical of FU developed after mean 5.4 months of presentation (range: 1-18 months, median: 2 months). Altered iris pattern was noted after 17 months of presentation (range: 2-70 months, median: 8.5). Vitritis of grades 1-2 was present in all eyes. Overlap of uveitis of other etiology (retinal vasculitis, presumed tubercular intermediate uveitis) was found in three patients. Systemic immune disease (systemic lupus erythematosus, pulmonary sarcoidosis) was present in two patients. No treatment for the ocular inflammation was given after the diagnosis of FU in any patient and no change in the pattern of FU was observed during further follow-up. Evolving FU may lead to misdiagnosis and mismanagement. We suggest a conservative approach, withholding steroid treatment, allowing FU to evolve, in otherwise asymptomatic patients with white eye, mild to moderate anterior chamber (AC) and vitreous inflammation, absent posterior synechiae and normal fundus examination or fundus examination suggestive of resolved uveitis.